The village was alive with the sounds of evening, the scent of cooking food and the murmur of conversation filling the air. Cyan and Randell worked in comfortable silence, helping the elderly folks secure their homes for the night. The sound of shuttering windows and the clatter of firewood being gathered filled the air, punctuated by the occasional bark of a dog or the cry of a baby.
As they worked, the villagers thanked them profusely, their faces lit up with gratitude. "You're a lifesaver, Cyan," Mrs. Blackwood said, patting him on the back. "I don't know what I'd do without you and Randell." Cyan smiled, his eyes warm with pleasure. "It's our pleasure, Mrs. We're happy to help."
As they finished up their tasks, Randell turned to Cyan and said, "You know, we make a pretty good team." Cyan nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the village square. "We do. And it's not just about helping out. It's about building a sense of community."
The village seemed to glow in the fading light, the thatched roofs and wooden buildings radiating a warm, golden glow. The air was filled with the scent of wood smoke and roasting meat, and the sound of laughter and conversation. It was a place where everyone knew each other, where everyone looked out for one another. And Cyan, Ryan and Randell were at the heart of it, their friendship and kindness a beacon of hope in a world that could sometimes seem dark and unforgiving.
Randell grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're getting all philosophical on me, Cyan." Cyan chuckled, his voice low and rumbling. "Hey, someone has to keep things deep around here." Their banter was interrupted by a group of children, who came running up to them, laughing and playing. The sound of their giggles and shouts filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and the earthy smell of damp soil.
"Cyan! Randell! Can you tell us another story?" one of them asked, eyes shining with excitement. Cyan and Randell exchanged a glance, their faces etched with apologetic smiles. "I'm sorry, maybe next time," they chimed in unison, their voices laced with a hint of disappointment. The children's faces fell, their eyes clouding with dissatisfaction.
However, Cyan's next words reignited their spark. "Just be patient until tomorrow," he said, his voice dripping with promise. "We have a special story just for you." A sly wink accompanied his statement, and the children's faces lit up, their collective "Yeah!" echoing through the crisp evening air, redolent with the sweet scent of ozone.
With a gentle smile, Cyan added, "Okay, now you run along." The children scurried off, their giggles and chatter fading into the distance, leaving Cyan and Randell to resume their stroll. Their path led them to a rustic blacksmith shop, its wooden sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The sound was like a slow, mournful sigh, and Cyan's eyes narrowed as he listened to the rhythm of the village.
The shop's interior was a world unto itself, filled with the acrid smell of hot metal and the rhythmic clang of hammer on anvil. Alaric, the dwarf blacksmith, was a force to be reckoned with – his short stature belied the immense power in his arms, and his bushy brown beard framed a face etched with concentration. As they entered, Alaric glanced up, his eyes narrowing beneath his prominent brow ridge.
"Ah, Cyan and Randell," he growled, his voice like the rumble of thunder. "What brings you to my humble abode?" Randell's grin was infectious. "Hey, old man Alaric! How's life treating you?" Alaric snorted, his expression a mixture of amusement and annoyance. "I'm not that old, you little punk." Cyan and Randell exchanged a knowing glance, their faces mirroring a silent "Really?" Alaric's age was a running joke between them.
Randell chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Whatever you say, Alaric." Alaric's gaze swung back to his work, his attention focused on the glowing iron. "So, what do you need now?" Cyan's voice was smooth. "I need about three hundred arrows, bronze or iron tips – anything will do." Alaric nodded, his hammer striking the anvil with precision. "That I can handle easily enough. What about you, Randell?"
Randell's response was casual. "I don't need anything at the moment, but I could use some new daggers in the future." Alaric's grunt was noncommittal. "Okay, for the arrows, you can collect tomorrow at noon. As for the daggers, I'll see what I can do for you, but make sure to bring me new parts as per our deal."
Cyan nodded, his smile reassuring. "I did promise to give you new monster materials for every weapon you make for us. Consider it done." Alaric's nod was curt, his attention already drifting back to his work. "Okay, then. Be on your way now."
As they departed, the sounds of the blacksmith shop – the clang of hammer, the hiss of quenching metal – faded into the background. The evening air was filled with the scent of cooking food and the murmur of conversation, and Cyan's stomach growled in anticipation of dinner.
As Randell exited the store, Cyan followed closely behind, his gaze drawn to an extraordinary sight – a full set of half armor that seemed to radiate an aura of power. The armor glimmered in the fading light, its surface etched with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer and dance in the flickering torchlight.
The armor's sleek design featured a mail that protected the chest, a single arm guard, and impressive leggings. Its black surface was adorned with golden lines etched into the edges, giving it an air of sophistication. A brown leather waist, resembling a massive belt, added a touch of ruggedness. Instead of a helmet, the armor sported a mask – a black, ferocious-looking visage with gold-etched designs that seemed to leap off the metal. The mask's eyes glowed like embers, as if infused with a fierce inner light.
Cyan's eyes sparkled as he drank in the armor's glory. "Wow, what a beautiful piece of armor – quite stylish, too," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. The sound of his own voice seemed to break the spell, and Alaric's chest puffed out with pride.
"Good eye you've got there, lad," Alaric said, his voice rumbling like thunder. "That's my best work yet. Her name is Leanne – I built her using some scales I once found in a cave a few decades ago." Cyan's fascination was palpable, his gaze lingering on the armor's intricate designs.
"It really is something – kind of reminds me of the wild," he said, his voice filled with awe. Alaric's grin spread across his face, his eyes cr crling at the corners. "Exactly. If you want it, it's three gold coins." His eyes twinkled with amusement, anticipating Cyan's response.
Cyan's thoughts were a mixture of amusement and resignation. "Of course, what made me think this dude was going to just give it for free?" He smiled wryly to himself, his gaze locked on Alaric, who was rubbing his beard thoughtfully. Cyan's voice was laced with humor. "I'm sorry, I have insufficient funds." His grin remained, a testament to his good-natured spirit.
Alaric's expression turned dour. "Oh great, you're broke? What a waste of advertising." His scowl deepened, his eyes narrowing in disappointment. Cyan's chuckle was apologetic. "I'm sorry, I will get out of your hair." Alaric's silence was a clear indication that the conversation was over.
Cyan exited the smith premises, finding Randell leaning against a wall outside. Randell's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, what were you talking about with the old man?" Cyan's sigh was exaggerated. "Armor?" Randell's expression was knowing. "Of course." Cyan's grin returned. "Well, let's go – that report isn't going to write itself, so let's move our asses."
As they continued their walk, they approached the council's tent, its canvas walls flapping gently in the breeze. The sound was like a slow, mournful sigh, and Cyan's eyes narrowed as he listened to the rhythm of the village. The interior was surprisingly spacious, rivaling the size of a small house. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting a golden light on the five individuals engaged in a heated discussion.
The air was thick with tension, the sound of rustling papers and maps filling the air. Marilin, Cyan's mother, stood amidst the debate, her eyes flashing with determination. Arise, now 16, stood apart, her back against the corner of the tent, a sword strapped to her side. Her eyes were closed, her face serene, as if meditating. The silver armor on her left arm gleamed in the light, a stark contrast to her simple attire. A scar above her left eyebrow added a touch of ruggedness to her features, a testament to her experiences.
The five individuals, except Aris, were oblivious to Cyan and Randell's arrival, their focus on the discussion at hand. The two friends exchanged a glance, then placed their hands together in a respectful gesture. "Greetings to the elders," they said in unison, their voices calm and respectful.
The room fell silent as the elders turned to face them. Ryker, an older man with brown hair streaked with silver, smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, here come the troublemakers of the village," he said, his voice laced with humor. The sound of his words was like a gentle breeze, dissipating the tension in the room.
Randell and Cyan exchanged a sheepish glance, their faces breaking into faint smiles. The elders chuckled, their faces softening, except for Aris, who remained still, her eyes closed, her breathing steady. The only sound was the soft rustling of papers and the distant hooting of an owl.
Alara, a member of the council, a woman in her 50's with blonde hair and blue eyes, also Ryan's grandmother, and a doctor, spoke up. "Shall we proceed?" Her voice was firm and calm, like a gentle stream flowing through the village.
Cyan nodded, his head bowed in respect. "Yes, understood." He began his report, his voice clear and concise, every one's expression serious. The air was thick with tension, the only sound the scratching of quills on paper.
Aris remained calm, collected, and silent, her eyes closed, her face serene, like a still pond reflecting the moonlight. "Just like last time, we're catching lesser and lesser each passing day," Cyan said, his voice laced with concern. "The fact that the weak monsters are fleeing from the south, heading west, is a problematic situation that must be investigated as soon as possible before it gets out of hand."
The room was silent, except for the sound of bugs and owls outside the tent. Everyone seemed to be putting much thought into Cyan's report, their attention directed towards him, except Aris, who still stood aside with her eyes closed. He continued... "Normally, monsters don't run away from their natural habitat," Cyan said, his voice filled with conviction. "Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. They would rather fight until they die, but that doesn't mean they recklessly rush into danger, knowing they'll die. Which means there's something in the forest that's more terrifying than we think, and that's what every creature in the forest is running away from."
Lyriel, the last member of the council, spoke up. She was short, with black hair and a young face, though she was in her 30's, a gnome with a very calm mindset. Her expression hinted at curiosity. "How can you be sure about this?" she asked, her voice gentle, like a summer breeze.
Randell's thoughts were a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. "Tough question, how will you answer?" he thought to himself, his gaze locked on Cyan, who exuded an aura of leadership amidst the intense discussion. Cyan's response was straightforward. "The wolves!" His expression was serious, his eyes narrowed in thought.
The room fell silent, each elder repeating the word in their mind, their faces reflecting their curiosity. "The wolves!??" they thought, their expressions a mixture of confusion and intrigue. Marilin's voice broke the silence. "What about the wolves?" Cyan's gaze turned to Randell. "Randell, tell them the strange behavior you noticed about those wolves."
The elders listened intently, their attention focused on Randell, as if they were students being taught by an experienced instructor. The air was thick with tension, the only sound the sound of Randell's voice, clear and concise, as he began to speak.
Randell's response was thoughtful, his eyes gazing into the distance as he recalled the events. "To tell you the truth, I didn't notice much, but if I were to name one, I would say the way they moved." The sound of his voice was like a gentle stream, flowing smoothly into the silence.
Cyan's encouragement was gentle, his expression contemplative. "Yes, continue." Lyriel's curiosity was palpable, her eyes locked on Randell, her face a silent question.
Randell's explanation was detailed, his voice painting a vivid picture. "The way they moved seemed like they didn't really care about us or the monsters we hunted for food, because the whole time they didn't go after what was inside the coach, but what was on top, as if they were chasing us out." The image was clear, and the elders nodded, their faces reflecting their understanding.
Cyan's nod was emphatic, his eyes shining with conviction. "Exactly. Shadow Wolves are predators with a natural kill instinct. They don't necessarily kill anything they aren't going to eat. The coach was filled with a lot of killed beasts – there's absolutely no way they didn't notice them, let alone try to drag at least one for dinner, but they still intended to kill us."
Randell's understanding dawned, his expression changing from curiosity to comprehension. "Now I see where you're going. Since they didn't intend to look for food, their main goal was to protect their hunting grounds." The sound of his voice was like a key turning in a lock, clicking into place.
Cyan's voice was laced with conviction, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "Yes, but the question is, protect from what? The only clue we have is that whatever it is, it's definitely a monster, since we already know shadow wolves will never, in a million years, be afraid of any human-type race, no matter how strong they won't relent!"
The elders were left speechless, their gazes locked on each other, their faces reflecting their shock and concern. Aris still stood in the corner, her eyes closed, but her focus seemed to be on Cyan's report, her expression serene, like a still pond.
Randell stood beside Cyan, admiring his brother's leadership and insight, his eyes shining with pride. Ryker's sigh was heavy with concern, his expression troubled. "This is getting complicated with each passing second." Alara's agreement was hesitant, her voice laced with doubt. "I agree?" Marilin's voice was laced with doubt, her eyes locked on Cyan. "Are you guys sure about this information, or maybe it's just a doubt?"
Cyan's response was firm, his expression resolute, his eyes locked on his mother's. "I'm not just sure, I know." The sound of his voice was like a stone dropped into a pond, rippling outwards, filling the room with a sense of certainty.
Lyriel's voice was tinged with worry, her brow furrowed in concern. "What on earth are we going to do?" The room fell silent, the only sound the soft creaking of the tent's canvas walls in the gentle breeze.
Cyan's plan was straightforward, his eyes locked on the elders. "It's simple, me and my team are going to-" But before he could finish, Marilin's interruption was swift, her voice firm and authoritative. "Request denied." Her expression was serious, her eyes flashing with a warning, as she cancelled out Cyan's words, which were asking for permission.
The air was thick with tension, the silence palpable. Cyan was left confused by her sudden refusal, his expression a reflection of questions. He blinked, his mind racing to understand the reason behind her decision. Randell's gaze met Cyan's, his eyes narrowed in curiosity, as if trying to read Cyan's thoughts.
Alara's voice was calm, her eyes gentle. "Cyan, your mother has a valid reason for denying your request." She paused, her gaze sweeping the room. "But perhaps we can discuss this further and find another solution." Her words were like a gentle breeze, soothing the tension in the room.
Cyan's frustration boiled over, his voice echoing through the tent like a thunderclap. "But why?! You too know we can handle it with our eyes closed, we won't even fight a fight we can't win, it's just a scouting mission!!!" His anger and disappointment hung in the air, palpable and raw.
A part of him seemed to be ticked off by the idea of backing down from this new challenge, and his eyes flashed with defiance. Marilin's response was unyielding, her expression set like stone. "I don't care, you and you are just kids, my word is final, you, your brother and Ryan or anyone in this village are forbidden from entering the forest starting right now."
Cyan's expression turned angry, but he still concealed it and maintained his cool in front of the council. His jaw clenched, his fists shaking with restraint. Randell tried to intervene, his voice laced with concern. "But mother-?" Marilin's voice was firm, brooking no argument. "There's nothing you can tell me now that's going to change my mind, my word will stand, and both of you are prohibited from entering the forest."
Cyan's persuasion was impassioned, his words tumbling out in a rush. "But mother, it won't be long. If we ignore this situation now, the village might starve in the future, not to forget that now, winter is eminent, we need to act now while we still have the advantage. If we deal with this in the future, whatever lingers in the forest would have gained a better understanding of the forest, then it will be even harder to get rid of whatever it is. Explain to her, old man."
His eyes pleaded with Ryker, hoping for support, but Ryker's words were a blow to Cyan's hopes. "I'm sorry, young lad, but I have to agree with your mother on this. You guys are skilled, there's no doubt, but you're also still children. We can't just risk lives over an unknown cause. Let's just be patient and see what happens for the meantime."
Cyan stood there, his gaze fixed on the ground, his fists clenched in frustration. His anger was palpable, his eyes burning with a desire to fight. He bit his lip, and blood began to flow down from the wound. The metallic scent filled the air, a reminder of his own helplessness.
As a hunter, the thought of being banned from his favorite activity was unbearable. He felt like he was losing his purpose in the world, and Randell felt the same. Their hands were shaking uncontrollably, their faces set with determination.
Alara's concern was evident, her voice gentle. "Are you okay, Cyan? Your lip is bleeding." Cyan's response was a cold silence, his mind racing with strategies to get the council to reconsider. But nothing came to him, and his rage was absolute.
He spoke in a low, calm voice, his words laced with anger. "So, you're just going to ignore?" His voice was barely above a whisper, but his anger was palpable, enough to shake his voice. He mumbled to himself, his eyes flashing with defiance.
Marilin walked close to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Cyan, I'm only doing what I think is best for you, as your moth-" Her voice was gentle, but Cyan shook off her hand, his eyes flashing with anger.
Cyan's interruption was explosive, his voice echoing through the tent like a crack of thunder. "You're not my mother!!!!" The words hung in the air, creating a thick tension of silence. The atmosphere in the room shifted, and eyes widened in shock.
Suddenly, the lioness in the corner stirred, her presence commanding attention. Aris opened one eye, the one without the scar, and her gaze was like a laser beam, distorting the air around her. Her intense stare seemed to shake the entire room, though it was silent.
Cyan and Randell feared her, as she was their big sister and master. After a brief, intense eye contact with Aris, Cyan retreated, leaving the tent in a rage. Randell followed him, trying to comfort him, suggesting they could find something else to do.
When Cyan left the tent, Marilin was left utterly broken, her eyes welling up with tears. She didn't expect him to lash out at her like that. She fell to her knees, her body shaking with sobs. The other council members tried to comfort her, their voices soft and reassuring.
Aris started walking towards the exit of the tent, her heavy armor making a soft thud on the ground. "As his sister and master, please, I request you forgive him and blame it on me, for I am the one who failed. I believe he was just following my teachings, and my failure cannot be excused." She bowed her head in front of the entire council and her mother, apologizing on Cyan's behalf.
The council members were taken aback by her humility, their faces reflecting their surprise. Lyriel's voice was gentle. "You don't have to bow, Aris. We should have seen this coming. You should check up on him, I'm sure he too is already dying out of regret now."
Aris raised her head, her expression serene. "I still apologize." She turned around and headed towards the exit, the sound of her heavy armor knocking on the ground was palpable. Her iron greaves heavy enough to pound the ground like a heavy Hammer.
She stopped suddenly and said, "Please forgive him, by the end of the day, you too know he didn't mean what he said." As she left the council's tent, Randell followed Cyan, who walked with anger, his expression showing a fit of rage.
Randel's voice was laced with concern. "Was that really necessary?! I think you should apologize, bro. I know you didn't mean-" Cyan's interruption was explosive, his words cutting through the air like a knife. "You don't know anything, okay?! I'm not even your real brother, just a stranger your mother found by the stream, okay?! So why don't you just leave me the hell alone?!"
His voice was really high, and he felt really pissed off, but he also didn't know why. Randell looked into his eyes and followed, his expression a mixture of hurt and understanding. "I know you don't mean it, buddy. I'll give you some space for now. When you apologize, make sure to make it a good one, and I expect a present."
He smiled, trying to show his forgiveness, but when he turned around, the smile faded. He had forgiven Cyan, but the words he said had destroyed him deep down.
As Randell left the scene, Cyan continued walking, his anger and frustration still simmering like a pot left unattended on the stove. He reached the edge of the village, where a cliff offered a magnificent view of the stars, mountains, and forest. The moon cast a silver glow on the landscape, illuminating the trees and rocks like a spotlight.
He sat down on the grass, which shone like diamonds in the moonlight, and rested his back on the ground, his eyes gazing up at the stars. The night sky was alive with twinkling lights, and Cyan felt small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
The silence of the night was almost palpable, the only sound being the distant hooting of owls and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. It was a soothing melody, one that calmed Cyan's frazzled nerves.
He stared up at the stars, his mind racing with thoughts and emotions. He felt a mix of anger, frustration, and hurt, but most of all, he felt a deep sense of regret. The memory of his conversation with his mother lingered like a bad taste in his mouth, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he had let her down.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, he heard a faint rustling in the grass behind him. He turned to see Aris approaching, her heavy armor making a soft thud on the ground like a heartbeat. She sat down beside him, her expression calm and serene, like a still pond on a summer day.
"Hey, what was that just now?" she said, her voice deep and authoritative, but with a hint of warmth. Cyan looked at her, feeling a mix of emotions. He was still feeling angry and hurt, but he knew he could trust Aris.
"Arise, I...I don't know what to do," he said, his voice barely above a whisper as he closed his eyes in a calm deportment. Aris noticing his deep regret, her demeanor changed, and she chose to address him gently.
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring. "You don't have to do anything, kiddo. Just let it out. Talk to me." Cyan took a deep breath, and the words began to flow out of him like a river.
He told Aris everything, from his conversation with his mother to his feelings of anger and hurt. Aris listened attentively, her expression understanding and empathetic. As Cyan spoke, he felt a weight lifting off his shoulders like a burden shared.
When he finished talking, Aris smiled and pulled him into a warm hug. "You're not alone, kiddo. If anything, I know that you of all people will get through this." Cyan felt a sense of comfort and peace wash over him like a gentle summer breeze.The scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers wafted through the air, calming Cyan's frazzled nerves.
As Aris stood up, the moon cast an ethereal glow on her face, accentuating her determined expression. The night air was alive with tension, the only sound the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. She unsheathed her sword, the metallic whisper echoing through the night air like a challenge, and pointed it towards Cyan's forehead.
"How about a duel to burn out the anger?" she asked, her eyes locking onto his, the tension between them palpable. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Cyan hesitated, his gaze drifting to the sword, then back to Aris's face. "No, I will pass on the offer," he said finally, his voice laced with reluctance. The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.
"Right now, I'm thinking of a proper way to apologize." After a moment of silence, he stood up and started walking past Aris, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet the only sound breaking the stillness. "On second thought, I should go apologize now," he said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.
Aris's expression turned skeptical, her brow furrowed in concern. "That's not a good idea," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "Why?" Cyan asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Aris's gaze softened, her eyes filled with understanding. "Think about it, you basically broke those two. If I were you, I would apologize tomorrow when the fire fades." Cyan's face fell, his eyes clouding with realization. "Damn it, you're right. She hates me right now." Aris's expression turned reassuring, her smile warm and gentle. "She might be feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now, but I doubt hate is one of them. Just give the both of them some space for today, okay." Cyan nodded, his hair rustling in the gentle night breeze. "Okay," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aris's gaze turned hopeful, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Now, about that duel... Do you think you're still up to it?" she asked, her voice laced with excitement. Cyan took a moment of silence, analyzing his emotions and what he needed to do at the moment. The wind whispered through his hair, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers, as he stood there, lost in thought.
After a moment, he bowed his head, his voice filled with determination. "Yes, please help me get stronger." Aris's face lit up with a warm smile, the night moon complementing the scene, casting an ethereal glow on the grass, which submitted to the gentle night breeze. The time was probably somewhere around 11:58 at night, the darkness punctuated only by the distant twinkling of stars. With a swift, fluid motion, Aris and Cyan jumped down the cliff, their movements a blur, like ninjas vanishing into the shadows.
They started jumping over tree branches with ninja's precision, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs the only sounds breaking the stillness. A few minutes later, they came across a huge, open space, devoid of trees, like a round battle arena. It was perfect for a duel.
They both stepped into the circle area, their movements like hostile, experienced ninja's warriors making a first encounter. As they looked at each other, the tension between them thickened, the forest became silent, as if nothing existed except the two.
Aris unsheathed her sword, her unique sword style a testament to her skill and prowess. Cyan's face fell, his expression a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "I don't have a weapon," he said, his voice laced with disappointment.
Aris's gaze turned serious, her eyes locking onto his. "A true warrior doesn't always rely on a weapon," she said, her voice firm but gentle. "Imagine if this was an encounter with a true enemy who reeks of intense bloodlust against you. He has a fine weapon, and you have nothing. Would you die because you don't have a weapon?" Cyan's expression turned resolute, his eyes flashing with determination. "Of course not," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I would use anything at my disposal. If I don't have a weapon, I will use my hands. If I lose my hands, I will use my legs, and if I lose my legs, I will use my body. If I lose that too, I will use my soul."
As he spoke, he assumed a fighting stance, his fists clenched and ready. Aris's gaze turned approving, her sword pointing towards Cyan as she nodded. "Good," she said. "Now, show me your resolve." The air grew thick with tension, the only sound the soft rustling of Aris's cape in the wind. A drop of water fell from a leaf, splattering in a puddle like a signal, and the scene turned silent. In an instant, Cyan dashed towards Aris with a swift motion, his fist flying towards her stomach with calculated power and precision.
The wind around his punch swirled like a miniature tornado, and the sound of his fist cutting through the air was like a crack of thunder. Aris's speed was on a whole different level, though. With only a split second, she disappeared, leaving behind a blur, and reappeared behind Cyan in a flash step that made her look like she teleported.
She landed a powerful punch on his spine, hurling him towards a nearby tree. The sound of breaking branches and fissures of the trunk were palpable as Cyan slammed into the tree, the impact sending shockwaves through his body. He stood up swiftly, grabbing a long, thick branch that dropped from the tree, and charged towards Aris with a flash of speed.
The air was filled with the sound of his ragged breathing as he swung the log like a sword, the wood whishing through the air. Aris blocked it with her own sword, deflecting the log to her left and removing it from Cyan's hand with a swift motion. She used the hilt of her sword to hit him in the stomach, releasing an unbearable sound and force that sounded like a hammer hitting a tree.
Cyan doubled over, grabbing his stomach to ease the pain, his face contorting in agony. But Aris followed up with a swift round kick that bruised his face, the impact sending him flying through the air. He managed to regain balance after performing a few backflips, his eyes flashing with determination.
As he touched his nose, he saw that the bandage covering his hand was already covered with blood, the metallic scent filling his nostrils. The only words that came to his mind were, "Strong, she's too strong." Aris noticed him cowering, her expression unyielding, her eyes burning with intensity.
Aris's expression turned serious, her eyes locking onto Cyan's. "Never fear an opponent, no matter how strong. Cyan, Considering your age, you might be one of the strongest among your peers, your body have mature beyond my expectations. In truth you might even be stronger than me but... What you solemnly lake is significant battle experience. Surpass that and you might turn out to be one of the most formidable foes I have ever seen" she said, her voice firm but gentle, like a summer breeze on a hot day. "You can never know what you are capable of unless you try. Land one hit, and I promise to teach an ultimate skill. Now, stand up and give me all you've got."
Cyan's expression turned resolute, his eyes flashing with determination. He knew she was right; giving up was never a choice when someone was trying to kill you for real. The way he was getting cooked by Aris, though, made him feel inferior, like a small child learning to walk.
As he stood up, his eyes began to glow white with a faint blue hue, resembling the color emitted by the moon, an eerie glow that seemed to pulse with his anger. "Is that what you want?" he said, his voice sharp, cold, and firm, like a winter's night. "So be it. I will fight you my own way. Try not to die on me."
END OF CHAPTER 3